Can you get banned for changing Fortnite files? Explained

Can you get banned for changing Fortnite files? Yes, players can indeed get banned for changing and/or tampering/tweaking with files related to the game. While this sounds like the case of someone trying to use hacks/third-party software, it's not even close to the truth.

Even changing basic items, such as directory pathways after the game is installed, may result in players being banned upon launching the game. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. That said, here's an in-depth look at why changing files can lead to a permanent ban.

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Changing files in Fortnite is not a good idea: Here's why

While many games allow players to change and/or tweak certain aspects within the files, Fortnite is not one of them. Once it has been installed, changing anything within the files may lead to players being booted.

According to users on Reddit, the ban will not be lifted, and trying to contact support will lead to a dead end. Here's what one user by the name of PulseBeat_02 had to say:

"Hi, I recently got permanently banned from Fortnite without any reason except for the possible fact of changing in-game files. Can changing the in-game files in the folder "C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local\FortniteGame\Saved\Config\WindowsClient" make you banned?"

According to the user, the reason why they changed the files is due to a "bad" PC. By changing a few files, they wanted to configure some options to run Fortnite faster. Even though this is not hacking, and merely an attempt to optimize the game to make it run faster, it is a violation of the terms of service.

The user also mentioned that despite contacting the support team four times about the issue besides emailing them, there has been no response from their end. That said, the ban is permanent.

Even showing/testing unreleased skins in-game by changing files is a violation. Although these can't be used to gain an in-game advantage or be sold for V-Bucks, Epic Games will ban the account nonetheless. Here's what user Matt_GamingYT had to say:

"Users are getting banned for changing content in the pac file. People are getting so furious about this happening as you can only use certain skins to change into another skin or emote and going into the game changes it back to default. This is not a hack but could be placed under modding as it is not verified by epic officials."

As stated by the user, anything that is changed in the files can be seen as modding. While this is alright in games like Stellaris or Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord, an online title such as Fortnite does not look kindly towards such modifications.

According to numerous users, even if players don't get banned, there's a high chance of the game crashing. To resolve this issue, players may have to reinstall the game. With all that said, it's clear that tampering with the files will lead to major issues.

While there are a few users who tweak certain files to showcase content that's yet to be added, Epic Games is well aware of the situation. Since the developers have a mutual understanding with certain leakers/data miners, only a few things are allowed up to a certain extent.

That said, for the average user wanting to mod and/or change anything in the files after the game downloads, it's best not to get itchy fingers. On that note, it's safer to experiment with modding tools in the Creative mode. Since it allows users to express themselves and create new experiences, there's plenty of leeway given for the same.